At last the NFL season is back! There’s no better time of the year for this sports fan whe college and professional football return. We will have to wait and see who will become playoff contenders and who will not meet expectations. I will be making predictions each and every week for the NFL season. Feel free to leave your picks or thoughts below!

Predictions:

Green Bay Packers (0-0) vs Chicago Bears (0-0)- Bears 24-21
I like the Bears to win the first matchup between these two. The Packers are going to need time to get their offense running like a well oiled machine during real game time. It will take time for new head coach Matt LaFleur to get an in game connection with Aaron Rodgers. The Packers defense has some new faces that will also have to make adjustments as well. I see this being a low scoring game, and as long as Trubisky takes care of the ball the Bears should open with a win.

Tennessee Titans (0-0) vs Cleveland Browns (0-0)- Browns 31-17
The Browns have a lot of new faces, but the same coach now head coach running the offensive show. I believe the Browns are going to be looking to make a statement to open the year. The Titans in the past have struggled to win on the road, and I believe that trend will continue. The Browns are the more talented team, and having superior players typically trumps chemistry early in the year. I expect Baker to play well, and feed his new receiver Odell Beckham Jr. The Titans defense is solid however, and this will be a stiff test to open the year.

Baltimore Ravens (0-0) vs Miami Dolphins (0-0)- Ravens 28-14
The Dolphins are hoping “Fitzmagic” can translate with their starting quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. They better hope this is true because the rest of the team is a bit of a mess. I don’t see them having a way to stop Lamar Jackson, and that strong Ravens run game. Miami couldn’t stop the run last year, and they didn’t add any significant run stoppers this offseason. I expect Baltimore to run the ball with ease and pull away late.

Atlanta Falcons (0-0) vs Minnesota Vikings (0-0)- Vikings 28-24
This should be one of the most competitive games from Week 1. Both teams are looking to bounce back after disappointing, injury plagued seasons. The Vikings have improved the offensive line, and their defense is still elite. The Falcons are finally healthy, and Matt Ryan is looking to get back to MVP status. I am going to lean with the Vikings on home field advantage alone. These two are evenly matched, and Minnesota is a tough place to win as a visiting team.

Buffalo Bills (0-0) vs New York Jets (0-0)- Bills 23-19
This will be a battle between two teams on the rise in the AFC East. The Bills are young and talented, but Josh Allen will look to take a step forward in his Sophomore season. They’ve added to the offensive line, wide receiving core, and a new running back in Devin Singletary. The Jets have another Sophomore quarterback looking to make a jump in Sam Darnold. Keep an eye on former pro-bowl running back Le’Veon Bell making his Jet debut, and his first action since 2017. I expect this to be a defensive battle, and in that case I give the Bills the edge. Their defense is underrated, and the Bills are a better all-around team.

Washington Redskins (0-0) vs Philadelphia Eagles (0-0)- Eagles 30-17
Washington will start the year with new signal caller Case Keenum, and running back in Derrius Guice. Philly is looking to live up to high expectations as quarterback Carson Wentz enters year 4. I think the Eagles win big in week one over the Redskins. Their defense is much better than Washington, and Case Keenum doesn’t have any playmakers to work with. I expect Wentz in company to take advantage against a defense lacking pass rushers. The only way I see the Eagles losing is if they come out with an overconfident mentality.

Los Angeles Rams (0-0) vs Carolina Panthers (0-0)- Rams 27-17
Cam Newton is expected to play for Carolina, but may not be a 100 percent. This is not a good sign going up against that stout Rams front line. I believe the Panthers offensive line will struggle to win in the trenches, and that will be the difference. Goff will be looking to impress after a mediocre performance in last years Super Bowl. The Rams offense is finally completely healthy except for Todd Gurley. Still, the Rams are a better team on paper, and have more talent at the skill positions. We often see upsets in week one, and this could be a sleeper pick as Carolina is tough to beat at home.

Kansas City Chiefs (0-0) vs Jacksonville Jaguars (0-0)- Jaguars 27-21
This is going to be my upset pick for the first week of the season. The Jaguars are coming off a terrible season, but addressed the quarterback position by signing Nick Foles. It remains to be seen if he can contribute anywhere outside of Philadelphia. The Chiefs are obviously loaded on offense with playmakers like Tyreek Hill, Sammy Watkins, and Travis Kelce. Patrick Mahomes has a chance to become the best quarterback in the NFL this season. However, I believe the Jaguars defense will be looking to make a statement. They were still an elite unit last season based on the numbers, and you know cornerback Jalen Ramsey is going to have his team ready to go. I expect the Jaguars to lean on Fournette to work the clock, and Foles will protect the football to secure a win. It’s going to be hot, humid, and rainy which bodes well for the Duval faithful.

Indianapolis Colts (0-0) vs Los Angeles Chargers (0-0)- Chargers 28-14
The Colts are looking to rebound for the 2019 season after Andrew Luck’s shocking decision to retire. Enter Jacoby Brissett who likely didn’t expect to be starting week one. The Colts defense is good enough to keep them in this game, but I feel the Chargers talented roster will be too much. I’m excited to see the battle in the trenches between the Chargers stout defensive line, and the Colts mauling offensive line. Phillip Rivers is good enough to carry his team to victory, and expect running back Austin Ekeler to make plays out of the backfield.

Cincinnati Bengals (0-0) vs Seattle Seahawks (0-0)- Seahawks 26-10
Playing in Seattle is never easy, and it’s going to be super difficult for the rebuilding Bengals. Cincinnati won’t have star wideout A.J. Green, and that will hurt Andy Dalton’s ability to make plays. I expect the Bengals to lean on the run game, but the Seahawks have a stout run defense. Russell Wilson should have a big game against the mediocre Bengals secondary, and I expect their offense to have a huge day overall. In other news, support for Seattle’s pass rush is on the way with their newest trade acquisition of Jadeveon Clowney.

Detroit Lions (0-0) vs Arizona Cardinals (0-0)- Cardinals 23-20
The Lions spent a lot of money in the offseason, and find themselves pushing for a win now approach. Offensively they have talent with Matthew Stafford, Kerryon Johnson, Kenny Golladay, and Marvin Jones. Their offensive line leaves a bit to be desired, and they face a Cardinals team with pass rushers like Chandler Jones and Terrell Suggs. I expect fireworks from rookie QB Kyler Murray, and rookie head coach Kliff Kingbury will have tricks up his sleeve. I expect the Lions defense to test the rookie quarterback, but this is another upset pick I’m riding with.

San Francisco 49ers (0-0) vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-0)- 49ers 27-24
The Bruce Arians begins era begins in Tampa, and Kyle Shanahan looks to lead his team to the playoffs. Both quarterbacks have something to prove this season. Jameis Winston is fighting for his future as a starter, while Jimmy Garoppolo looks to impress coming back from an injury. The Buccaneers in my opinion have more star power on offense, but the 49ers are better defensively. I am going to pick the 49ers because Winston is prone to turning the football over. I also don’t see their offensive line being able to stop the pressure of this 49ers pass rush. This will be a fun game to watch, and expect some unorthodox offensive approaches.

New York Giants (0-0) vs Dallas Cowboys (0-0)- Cowboys 22-16
The Giants will start the year with longtime QB Eli Manning, but if he struggles the reigns could be handed to rookie Daniel Jones. The Giants are a mess offensively outside of running back Saquon Barkley. They are super thin at the receiver position, and their offensive line is a work in progress. The Cowboys are led by quarterback Dak Prescott who is looking to earn a new contract this year. They may be without running back Ezekiel Elliott, and if that’s the case it becomes Tony Pollard time. I expect the Cowboys defense to make Eli uncomfortable all day, and allow their offense to play with good field position. The Cowboys and Giants games are always close, but I see Dallas winning on talent alone.

Pittsburgh Steelers (0-0) vs New England Patriots (0-0)- Patriots 28-21
The Steelers have put a drama filled season behind them, and have moved on from their former stars. They have talent on offense with Ben Roethlisberger, James Conner, and JuJu Smith-Schuster. Their defense is solid as always, but is lacking the same star power from years ago. The defending champs look to start the year with a bang at home. They have in my opinion the best quarterback of all time Tom Brady leading the way in year twenty. They still have weapons in Julian Edelman, the reinstated Josh Gordon, Sony Michel, and James White. It will be interesting to see how they perform with tight end Rob Gronkowski who decided to retire. The Patriots defense is clearly led by their back end, and their front seven isn’t as strong as it used to be. I have the Patriots winning this game because they are tough to beat at Gillette Stadium. They have had some clunkers in week one in the past, but will be motivated against a rival team in the Steelers. I expect a fun, action packed game with a showdown between two great QB’s.

Houston Texans (0-0) vs New Orleans Saints (0-0)- Saints 34-24
The Texans have a great young quarterback in DeShaun Watson, but have had some tough blows before the season. Running back Lamar Miller is lost for the season with an ACL tear, and they just traded one of their top pass rushers in Jadeveon Clowney. The Saints on the other hand are motivated to dominate after coming up short again in the NFC Championship game. Drew Brees has aged like a fine wine, and still plays at a high level going into year nineteen. The Texans will have a hard time trying to stop the fire power of Michael Thomas and Alvin Kamara. Their offensive line is going to be tested as well against that aggressive Saints defense. I expect the Superdome to be load, and I just don’t see the Texans being able to overcome the challenges that await them.

Denver Broncos (0-0) vs Oakland Raiders (0-0)- Broncos 19-16
Both of these AFC West teams are in transition, and are looking to bounce back after tough years. This will be the debut for quarterback Joe Flacco after being traded to Denver. They have a solid running back in Phillip Lindsay, and solid receivers in Emmanuel Sanders and Courtland Sutton. The biggest question is can their offensive line protect Joe. Their defense has some serious pass rush, but have legit question marks in the secondary. The Raiders made some moves in the offseason including trading for star receiver Antonio Brown. He has already had off the field concerns with the ongoing helmet issue, but looks primed to play in week one. They have improved their offensive line, and added rookie running back Josh Jacobs. Their hopes rest on the shoulders of quarterback Derek Carr. The former pro-bowler hasn’t lived up to his big extension yet, and has a ton of pressure this year to deliver. Their defense is a mess, and will likely be their weakest unit. I expect the Broncos to win this game by leaning on their run game. Oakland struggled against the run last year, and I don’t expect that to change next Monday. The Broncos pass rush will get to Carr, and Flacco will do enough for Denver to win on the road.

Photo Credit: https://www.complex.com/sports/2019/08/nfl-starting-quarterbacks-ranked/